Effects of Lactoferrin on Subjective Skin Conditions in Winter: A Preliminary, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective To investigate the effects of lactoferrin (LF) on subjective skin conditions in winter. Design A preliminary, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Setting and subjects Healthy adults in Japan. Interventions Intake of placebo, 200 mg, or 600 mg of LF for 12 weeks in winter. Endpoints Changes in the scores of subjective skin conditions. Results Three hundred and forty-six subjects were randomized. Nine subjects (placebo, n=0; 200 mg, n=5; 600 mg, n=4) withdrew consent, and 7 subjects (placebo, n=4; 200 mg, n=2; 600 mg, n=1) were lost to follow-up, resulting in 330 for a full analysis set. Outcomes Changes in the scores of moisture were greater in the 600 mg group than in the placebo group. Changes in the scores of moisture were greater in the 200 mg and 600 mg groups, and of texture were greater in the 600 mg group than in the placebo group in female subjects. Conclusion Intake of LF may improve moisture or texture of skin in winter.